Teen mum in handbag scam gets probation

Teen mum in handbag scam gets probation

A Teenage mum who deceived 11 victims into transferring $2,750 into her bank account on the pretence of selling or renting out designer handbags was placed on two years' probation yesterday.

District Judge Lim Keng Yeow told 17-year-old Sharin Lim Zhi Ning that her offences were serious enough to result in imprisonment, but he was prepared to give her a chance and place her on probation.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Francis Zhang Zeyi told the court earlier that the victims had responded to an advertisement on www.sgbagrental.com.

On July 10 last year, the mother of one conned Maria Irene Zafe Evangelista of $300, and Lee Chui Kuen of $450. Two days later, Anizah Liddelow was cheated of $350.

They all expressed interest in buying the Louis Vuitton bags that were advertised by Lim.

She instructed them to transfer money to her POSB account as deposits, even though she had no intention of selling the items.

In another case, Marshida Ismail responded to Lim, who was going by the online user name "Clare". The victim transferred $300 as rental for bags to a POSB account belonging to Lim's boyfriend.

Lim used her boyfriend's bank account to commit the offence without his knowledge.

To date, Lim has made restitution amounting to $600 to three other victims.

She used the money she cheated her victims of to pay for her daily expenses and for an abortion in July that year.

Judge Lim advised her to live a law-abiding life and fulfil her responsibilities as a mother.

Lim must do 180 hours of community service, remain indoors from 10pm to 6am, and wear an electronic tag for four months.

elena@sph.com.sg

This article by The Straits Times was published in MyPaper, a free, bilingual newspaper published by Singapore Press Holdings.

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